“New year, new me!” It’s probably something that you’ve heard at least once in your life, whether it was being said ironically or not.  When the clock strikes 12:00 on January 1, the New Year begins, but does that really mean a clean slate for everyone?  A “new you?”

New Year’s resolutions are a popular concept among people of different ages and locations all over the world.   The origin of the idea is said to come from the ancient Babylonians.  At the start of each year, they would promise their gods that they would return borrowed objects and repay debts.  Although the common New Year’s resolutions now are not generally promises to gods, many people still make promises to themselves.  On the other hand, though, many people find New Year’s resolutions unnecessary and unhelpful.

“I don’t set New Year’s resolutions.  Setting a goal in January doesn’t give it any more significance than setting it at any other point in the year.  Make promises to yourself any time!” said junior Natalie Pacht.

These resolutions can be academic, physical, social, or any type of goal that you desire.  New Year’s Day is considered the literal new beginning of a year, but there are other new beginnings throughout the year as well, such as the beginning of a new school year.

“Since January is sort of in the middle of the school year, I may sometimes think of things I want to achieve but I don’t really make it a priority to follow them.  I feel like a fresh start and time to make goals is in September, when the school year is starting and everything is new,” said junior Natasha Klein.

Academic goals that are set, whether in September or January, could help students find their motivation.  Their goal could be to improve time management, study more for tests, focus more in class, or anything schoolwork related.

After December break, students come back to school feeling refreshed and ready to work again.  Their motivation could be due to the extra sleep they got over break or New Year’s resolutions.  It’s tough to set a goal for yourself and be really persistent about accomplishing it.

“It doesn’t necessarily have to do with setting a resolution, I think it’s more a result of getting time away from the academic demands.  The rest that students get over break helps improve academic performance after the New Year,” said Mrs. Lauren Foster-Holzer.

Whether or not you set a resolution at the beginning of the New Year, it is a good way to inspire yourself to improve.  The age-old tradition is something that is often talked about by many, and there are tons of tips online on how to really achieve your resolution.  Do you make a resolution each year, and if you do, what can you do to keep it up?